‘Good guy with a big heart’

As hundreds of students gathered Monday night to mourn the death of freshman David Shannon, Carrboro police continued to piece together the details of his final hours.

In the early hours of Saturday morning, Shannon fell 40 feet while climbing a piece of machinery at the Ready Mixed Concrete Plant on Guthrie Avenue in Carrboro, suffering injuries that may led to his death.

He was found dead Saturday night by friends.

Soon after Shannon was discovered Saturday night, police began asking those who saw or heard from him since Friday night to come forward.

Witnesses told police that Shannon was drinking alcohol on Friday night and into Saturday morning. Police said Monday that alcohol might have been a factor in the incident.

“We don’t know quite what he was doing in that area,” said Lt. Chris Atack, spokesman for the Carrboro Police Department.

Atack said police believe Shannon was alone at the time of the fall.

“That is obviously something we’re still investigating,” said Atack.

On Saturday night, a group of UNC students who knew Shannon went searching for him.

At 10:34 p.m. Saturday, the group found Shannon’s body near a bike trail off Brewer Lane and called police.

Shannon was pronounced dead at the scene.

Atack said Shannon was found about 90 yards from where he first fell.

“He was able to move,” Atack said.

Investigators are looking into whether Shannon’s death is related to his involvement in fraternity life, though there is no evidence to support that it was at this time. Shannon was a pledge in the Chi Phi fraternity.

“Hazing, in light of Mr. Shannon’s fraternity membership and the timing of the conclusion of the pledge process, has been one avenue that this investigation has explored,” said Atack in a release sent out Tuesday. “ It is not the primary focus and there is no evidence at this time to suggest that hazing was a factor in Mr. Shannon’s death.”

University officials cautioned against premature speculation until the investigation has concluded.

“There’s always going to be speculation and rumor surrounding any time a student dies,” said Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Winston Crisp.

“I always want to be careful to let the investigation play out.”

John Childress, president of the fraternity, said members are grieving the loss of Shannon.

Dean of Students Jonathan Sauls said administrators have been providing counseling services for students, as well as coordinating with professors on behalf of students who need to miss class.

“Quite honestly, we’re so concerned with the immediate needs of the community of students … The sheer scope of that occupies the majority of our concern,” he said.

Shannon’s death marks the third student death this semester, and the second that has required a police investigation.

Junior Faith Hedgepeth was found dead Sept. 7 in her Chapel Hill apartment.

Police identified the case as a homicide investigation just hours later, but police have yet to make an arrest or announce any suspects.

Friday will mark eight weeks since her death.

“Unfortunately, and really tragically, we’re developing more experience with this than we’d really like,” Sauls said.

At the Monday night vigil, Shannon’s friends and family spoke about his lasting impact on those he knew.

“The fact that this room is packed is a testament to what a great person David was,” said his brother, Stephen Shannon, a senior at Elon University.

“David would have loved it — to have a room full of friends.”
At the vigil, Chancellor Holden Thorp discussed plans for a scholarship in Shannon’s name — the David Palmer Shannon Memorial Fund.

“Even though he had just arrived, David had already made a difference,” Thorp said.

“It’s easy to get caught up in classes, meetings, study sessions and all the details of our lives. Look out for each other and love each other.”

Stuart Castillo, who was in Shannon’s Chi Phi pledge class, spoke about Shannon’s uncanny ability to make friends.

“David was a good guy with a big heart,” he said. “David was the heart and soul in our Chi Phi pledge class.”

Carrboro police continue to ask people with information about Shannon’s whereabouts since Friday to come forward.

Assistant University Editor Liz Crampton contributed.

Contact the desk editor at city@dailytarheel.com.